The Cambridge History of English and American Literature in 18 Volumes (190721).Volume XI. The Period of the French Revolution.

IX. Blake.

§ 5. Tiriel; Revolutionary writings.

The undated manuscript Tiriel apparently belongs to this period. It is written in the measure of Thel, but is less regular, and the Ossianic influence is strong in its overwrought imagery and violent phrase. Blakes purpose in writing this history of the tyrant Tiriel and his rebellious children is not clear; perhaps, he was already drawing towards the revolutionary position of the later books. The final section, which appears to be a later addition, repeats with greater vehemence the substance of the last part of Thel.